The unholy gospel of Ghost has been spreading like wildfire ever since their 2010 debut, and with Skeletá, their sixth studio album marks their return but not in ways you might expect…

Words by Felix Bartlett | April 22, 2025

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The ranks of Ghost, consisting of mastermind Tobias Forge and his Nameless Ghouls, have conjured their most intoxicating blend of sacrilegious theatre and razor-sharp hooks yet. Those wondering if the Swedish occult-rock collective can maintain their reign need only press play—Skeletá is a masterclass in melodic menace, proving that Ghost’s satanic majesty is stronger than ever.

From the moment Ghost emerged from the shadows in 2010, they’ve masterfully blurred the lines between satanic theatre and arena-ready hooks. Now, with Skeletá, their sixth studio album, Tobias Forge and his Nameless Ghouls have crafted their most ambitious work yet – a glorious fusion of 80s stadium rock grandeur and their signature occult mystique that will convert sceptics and delight devotees alike.

The album introduces Papa V Perpetua, Ghost’s most visually striking frontman yet, complete with a partial skull mask and menacing claws. This new persona signals a thematic shift, where previous albums explored plagues and empires, Skeletá delves into more personal territory. The demonic possession metaphor in the lead single ‘Satanized’ reflects internal turmoil rather than celebrating dark powers, showing surprising vulnerability beneath the satanic surface.

Musically, Skeletá represents Ghost’s fullest embrace of 80s AOR influences while retaining their heavier roots. The seven-minute opener ‘Peacefield’ builds from eerie children’s chants into a Survivor-worthy chorus that would make Journey proud. ‘Umbra’ delivers cowbell-driven swagger with a riff that channels Metallica’s Black Album era, while ‘Lachryma’ merges Bon Jovi-esque hooks with Sabbath-worthy heaviness. The production – courtesy of Aron Kobayashi Ritch (Momma, Been Stellar) – gives everything a polished sheen that enhances rather than diminishes the band’s power.

What makes Skeletá truly special is how it balances these anthemic moments with surprising emotional depth. ‘Guiding Light’ stands as Ghost’s most affecting ballad to date, its soaring melodies belying the dark themes. Even the campy ‘Missilia Amori,’ with its “love rockets” lyric and KISS-inspired stomp, reveals new layers with each listen. The album’s closing track, ‘Excelsis’, continues Ghost’s tradition of epic finales, offering a surprisingly sincere meditation on mortality that lingers long after the last note fades.

The band’s evolution is most apparent in tracks like ‘Cenotaph,’ which ventures boldly into pop-rock territory with its synth-driven arrangement. While this might alienate metal purists, it demonstrates Ghost’s refusal to be constrained by genre expectations. As Forge has noted, his influences range from Iron Maiden to ABBA, and Skeletá proudly displays this eclectic mix.

Lyrically, Forge has never been more compelling. “Marks of the Evil One” uses Four Horsemen imagery to critique societal collapse, while “De Profundis Borealis” (Latin for “From the Depths of the North“) offers wintry existentialism with a surprisingly uplifting chorus. Even the seemingly straightforward breakup song ‘Lachryma’ gains depth through its vampire metaphor, showing Ghost’s knack for wrapping substantive themes in accessible packages.

The album isn’t without its minor flaws. Some tracks suffer from overly compressed production that slightly mutes their impact, and the streamlined approach means fewer of the gothic instrumental interludes that flavored previous releases. However, these are small quibbles in what is otherwise a remarkably consistent collection – ten tracks with no filler, each offering something distinct while contributing to the whole.

Live performance potential radiates from every song. ‘Missilia Amori’ in particular seems destined to become a setlist staple, its bottom-heavy riffs and swaggering attitude tailor-made for Ghost’s increasingly spectacular stage shows. With a world tour including an Easter Weekend sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena, Skeletá provides the perfect soundtrack for Ghost’s continued ascent to rock’s upper echelons.

What ultimately makes Skeletá so compelling is how it manages to feel simultaneously familiar and fresh. The Ghost hallmarks are all here – the satanic imagery, the massive hooks, the theatrical flair – but filtered through a more personal, introspective lens. It’s an album that rewards repeated listens, revealing new details in Forge’s lyrics and the band’s increasingly sophisticated arrangements.

In an era where rock music often feels stagnant, Ghost continues to push boundaries while staying true to their core identity. While longtime fans will revel in the band’s trademark theatricality and melodic mastery, Skeletá also dares to push boundaries, proving that Ghost’s reign is far from stagnant. As the Satanic conquest continues to unleash these songs in their electrifying live rituals, one thing is certain: Ghost’s dark empire continues to expand, and their satanic majesty has never sounded more alive.

Verdict: 💀💀💀💀

For Fans Of: Black Sabbath, Green Lung, King Diamond

keletá is released on April 25 via Loma Vista.